Neston Memories: Fresh chance to dig into history of collieries

By Ellesmere Port Pioneer on Nov 18, 09 11:16 AM in 1500-1799

AN EXHIBITION on the former collieries at Neston returns to the town this week, telling the story of the local coal mines which opened 250 years ago.

The exhibition received much acclaim when it opened for six weeks earlier this year, and has since been used by several local schools.

The display at Neston Library gives a new viewing opportunity to those who expressed disappointment at missing it last time.

The exhibition, titled 'Blood, Sweat and Toil in Neston: a 250th anniversary Exhibition on the Collieries', includes copies of colliery plans, owners' correspondence, contemporary photos and even accident record books.

Family historians will be particularly interested in the listing of thousands of names of miners known to have worked at Neston since it opened, and may be able to trace some of their ancestors.

Historian Anthony Annakin-Smith, of Burton and Neston History Society, said: "When we first opened the exhibition in April we were overwhelmed by the amount of public interest.

"Some people were astonished to learn there had ever been mining locally. For others, the exhibition reminded them of tales of the mines passed down through their family. The collieries played a major role in the life of the town for decades and many local people today are descended from the early miners."

The free exhibition runs until December 31 at Neston Public Library on Parkgate Road.